The Nairobi Metropolitan Service’s test run at the newly constructed Green Park Terminus was characterised by confusion and chaos.
All matatus operating from Moi Avenue, Outside Development House, AGHRO, and Gill House, Hataki Stage, Ambassador, Mfangano Street, Kencom, and Railways had to start and end their journeys at Green Park.
Many commuters were forced to walk from the CBD to Green Park and vice-versa following an exercise, which began at 5 a.m. and ended at 9 p.m.
Some matatu operators based at Hakati Terminus (BS) disobeyed the orders and dropped their passengers downtown, lengthening the walk to Green Park.
“I boarded a matatu from South B but the driver decided to use Jogoo Road to avoid going to Green Park. Eventually, I had to walk from Bus Station to Green Park to board another matatu to Kawangware,” a passenger told Fichuzi News.
Commuters faced even more perplexity at Green Park, where many were stranded caused by the lack of matatus to their destination.
NMS deployed a number of stewards to assist commuters in navigating the new terminal, but they were overwhelmed by the thousands of people who streamed in.
“Kindly send reporters to Green park and see the madness there, the movement of matatus to that place was not organised. Its chaos and fares have gone up,” Tom Mutua said.
Many people suggested that the new terminal would be more useful if NMS had commuter buses to transport passengers to and from CBD.
“Testing Green Park when all roads around it are single lanes with construction work is a terrible idea. The effects are being felt all the way to Westlands,” another commuter offered.
While many passengers struggled to get about Nairobi using the new system, private vehicle owners had an easy ride. There was no road traffic observed, which is unusual in the city centre.
NMS trucks were overflowing at major CBD bus terminals, preventing matatus from picking up or dropping off passengers.
“Wee si nimetembea leo…alighted from Thika road expecting to board a vehicle from railways to Ngong Road…To my dismay NMS is carrying out a test run at Green park bus terminal…So I have to walk from Koja Stage to Ngong road,” Ochieng’ Otieno narrated.